Turn concern into action.
You don't have to work in the nonprofit sector to make a real difference. Here's how community members can support people experiencing homelessness in Phoenix.
Donate to vetted local organizations
These Phoenix organizations have strong track records, transparent financials, and direct impact. (Check 990s at ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer before giving.)
Human Services Campus
The center of Phoenix's homeless services ecosystem. Supports CASS, Lodestar, and 15+ partner organizations serving thousands of people daily.
svdpaz.orgUMOM New Day Centers
Arizona's largest family homeless shelter. Donations fund shelter nights and housing programs for families with children — one of the most underfunded populations in the system.
umom.orgAndre House
Serves meals every evening, no questions asked. Extremely efficient per-dollar impact — and one of the few organizations that serves people regardless of sobriety or shelter status.
andrehouse.orgVolunteer where it actually helps
The most valuable volunteer roles fill real gaps — not just holiday shifts. Highest-need opportunities:
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Ongoing
Consistent meal service shifts
Andre House, Human Services Campus, and Phoenix Rescue Mission all need reliable, recurring volunteers — not one-time holiday helpers. Consistency is what makes programs work. -
Housing
Moving and housing transition assistance
People moving from shelter to their first apartment often have nothing. Help moving, assembling furniture, and stocking a kitchen makes a huge difference — and is chronically understaffed. -
Admin
Administrative and data support
Understaffed nonprofits desperately need help with data entry, HMIS reporting, grant writing support, and communications. Skills-based volunteering often has more impact than direct service. -
Legal
Legal aid (licensed attorneys)
Community Legal Services needs eviction defense volunteers. If you're a licensed attorney, this is one of the highest-leverage things you can do — keeping someone housed is far better than helping them after they've lost their home.
Support prevention, not just response
Prevention is more efficient than emergency response — and often underfunded. Emergency rental assistance, utility help, and eviction defense keep people housed before they reach a shelter.
Organizations focused on prevention include Community Legal Services (free tenant legal help), Wildfire: Igniting Community Action (emergency financial assistance), and 211 Arizona (connection to prevention resources before crisis). A call to 211 can help someone find help before they lose their housing.
Not sure where to start?
Browse our resource directory to understand the landscape, or read our guide on the most impactful ways to help in Phoenix.